Alexander Lord

As Russia pushes on Pokrovsk, Ukraine battles attrition, manpower shortages and tech gaps, while sanctions slowly bite. youtu.be/h6zz8Fw2c1s?si… @PKurzin was joined by @AlexanderKLord for a deep dive on the military front.

Our latest BBC Verify video looks at Ukraine's Operation 'Spider Web' - and what we've learned this week about what happened and how it was done. bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cl…

It was a great privilege to be a part of BBC Verify and Ros Atkins' analysis on Ukraine's unprecedented Operation 'Spider Web'. Undoubtedly one for the history books. #SpiderWeb #DroneWarfare #RussiaUkraineWar

'Spider Web' will undoubtedly go down in military history as a dramatic illustration of how cheap, first-person-view (FPV) drones can create truly strategic effects and overturn assumptions about what assymetric capabilities can achieve. Check out the video if interested!

It was a great privilege to be part of @BBCNews and @BBCRosAtkins' analysis of Ukraine's Operation 'Spider Web', which targeted Russia's strategic bomber force in an unprecedented raid on 1 June. #SpiderWeb #RussiaUkraineWar #DroneWarfare #bbc #sibylline bit.ly/4jJwcDN

A Tiraspol resident undergoing cancer treatment said she did not know how she would manage if the temperature drops further. themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/10/eve…

But such an offer would not be given without serious conditions, which would aim to prevent Moldova's integration into Europe and shore-up Russia's ability to economically coerce Moldova for the foreseeable future. /END

As such, Russia's current gas strategy remains risky, but I would not be surprised if a potentially lucrative gas deal is presented later this year to bolster pro-Russia politicians in the upcoming election...

On 1 Jan, Russia's Gazprom suspended gas supplies to Moldova, including the pro-Russian breakaway region of #Transnistria. The resultant gas crisis has significantly raised energy prices in Europe's poorest country, and threatens to push Moldova further into the arms of Europe...

The Russians themselves proved how effective dense minefields can be at blunting offensives in 2023, and further Ukrainian mining operations will aim at slowing Russia's rate of advance and deterring future offensive operations. /6

As such, Ukraine’s ability to effectively mine large swathes of the frontline will increase Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and increase the costs of future Russian offensives. /5

Earlier I spoke to #bbcnews to discuss the controversial US decision to provide anti-personnel mines to Ukraine. Amid legal uncertainties and concerns around unexploded ordinances impacting the UA population, there are clear strategic and military reasons for the decision. /1

These foreign policy objectives include: destabilising the West, deterring European leaders from expanding their support for Ukraine, and exacerbating polarisation and societal tension across Europe. Check out my comments on this and the state actor threat for @Telegraph. 4/4

Russia's military intelligence (GRU) is likely relying on organised crime groups to plug intelligence gaps. While the capabilities these groups provide are relatively crude and increase the risk of collateral damage, they can still contribute to Russian foreign policy goals. 3/4

A spate of recent arson attacks across Europe has raised serious concerns about a coordinated Russian destabilisation and sabotage campaign across the continent. Check out my comments in @Telegraph! 1/4 telegraph.co.uk/world-news/202…